A welcome return to The Green for Reed’s Sunday Seconds saw a mammoth total amassed by the home side. Having played away for most of the season Reed were happy to have the home advantage again and with just the one game being played they could boast to having one or two first teamers in their ranks. Freddy Stuart was captain for the day, he lost the toss but came away with the result he wanted regardless with Reed being inserted.
Despite an early loss, Reed scored quickly. Sean Tidey and Michael Robertson refused to play in anything but top gear with boundaries coming left, right and centre. Tidey’s assault saw him quickly get his half century. Robertson (32) finally fell after shooting one straight up. At that time the score was 85 for 2 from only 7 overs. Freddy Stuart came to the crease and joined in for a time playing to his strengths with some fantastic late cuts. Reed’s captain made 12 before being bowled and making way for Richie Barlow. Meanwhile Tidey was still blasting away in making yet another devastating century. He eventually retired hurt after a spell of cramp with 132 including 12 fours and 9 sixes.
Barlow then took charge of Reed’s innings and although the run rate noticeably dropped off in Tidey’s absence the home side continued to score fluently. Barlow, looking classy (61) and Josh Caldecott-Stevens (11) batted well together after drinks. Knocks from Marcus J.E. Baker (24) and Jack Tidey (39*) added to Reed’s mighty total which finished on 338-9.
With such a huge total Freddy Stuart had the luxury of rotating the bowling to give everyone a go. Joe Graves and Josh Caldecott- Stevens opened the Reed attack and both took wickets thanks to catches from Barlow, S. Tidey and M.J.E. Baker. The much anticipated return of Ian Roberts did not disappoint with the veteran returning figures of 5 overs, 2 maidens, 2 wickets for just 10 runs. R. Barlow also chipped in with 1 for 9. A partnership between W. Hepburn (81) and Dooley (12) kept the visitor’s innings going despite lacking any hope of overtaking Reed’s total. That partnership and a further few wickets fell with the return of the opening bowlers. J.C-S really impressed in returning 2 for 33, whilst Graves finished with 4 for 38. Woodcutters finished with a credible 165 for 9 but was still 173 runs behind.
